You’ve probably seen the photos. That impossibly white sand that stays cool under your feet even when the Mexican sun is absolutely blasting, and the water that looks like someone dialed the saturation up to a hundred. Honestly, Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun adults only all inclusive is one of those places that actually looks like the brochure. It’s annoying, right? Most of the time, you show up to a resort and the "infinity pool" is the size of a bathtub and the beach is covered in stinky sargassum.
But Maroma is different. It sits on a private stretch of Maroma Beach, which has been voted one of the best beaches in the world by Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler more times than I can count.
It’s not just the sand. It’s the vibe.
Some "adults-only" spots in the Riviera Maya feel like a frat party with better tequila. This isn’t that. It’s sophisticated but not stuffy. You can spend $1,000 on a bottle of wine if you want to, or you can just grab a cold Dos Equis from the swim-up bar and watch the iguanas roam the grounds. The resort is tucked away about 30 minutes south of Cancun International Airport, and once you pass through that guarded gate, the rest of the world basically stops existing.
The Beach Factor: What They Don't Tell You
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: seaweed. If you’ve been to the Caribbean lately, you know the "Brown Tide" is real. Sargassum can ruin a vacation faster than a food poisoning outbreak.
Because of the way the coast curves at Maroma, it naturally catches less of the muck than spots further south in Playa del Carmen or Tulum. The resort staff is also out there at 5:00 AM every single morning raking it by hand. It’s labor-intensive work. They care about that "Preferred" status.
The water here is shallow. You can walk out 50 yards and still be waist-deep. It’s perfect for people who aren't great swimmers but love the ocean. If you’re lucky, you’ll see the sea turtles. They nest here. It’s a protected area, which means no motorized water sports right on the shore. No jet skis screaming past your head while you're trying to read a book. Just the sound of the wind.
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Quiet. Finally.
Room Categories and Why "Preferred Club" Is Polarizing
When you’re booking Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun adults only all inclusive, you’re going to be hit with the "Preferred Club" upsell. Is it worth it?
Well, it depends.
If you're the type of person who wants a private lounge with top-shelf scotch (we’re talking Macallan, not the "house" stuff) and a dedicated concierge, then yes. The Preferred Club suites are also generally closer to the ocean. If you end up in a standard Junior Suite, you might have a bit of a walk through the lush, jungle-like gardens to get to the beach.
The rooms themselves? Huge.
They all have these massive soaking tubs. Some are "swim-out" suites. Pro tip: The swim-out pools are beautiful, but they aren't always heated to bathtub temperatures. In January or February, they can be a bit... refreshing. The decor is classic Mexican—dark woods, marble, and pops of color. It doesn't feel like a sterile Marriott. It feels like a hacienda.
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The Secrets Dining Reality Check
All-inclusive food usually gets a bad rap. Usually, it's deserved. Soggy buffet eggs and lukewarm pasta? No thanks.
At Maroma, they do "Unlimited-Luxury." That’s their trademarked way of saying you don’t need a wristband and you don't need reservations. You just show up.
- Himitsu: The Pan-Asian spot. The Teppanyaki tables are a show, but the sushi is surprisingly fresh for a high-volume resort.
- Portofino: The Italian place. They have a massive wine cellar.
- El Patio: This is where you go for actual Mexican food. Skip the tacos you recognize and try the mole. It’s legit.
- Bordeaux: French cuisine. Very romantic. Very quiet.
Here is the truth though: service can be slow when the resort is at 95% capacity. It’s Mexico. "Manana" is a real philosophy. If you’re in a rush to get somewhere, you’re doing it wrong anyway.
The Spa and the "Hydrotherapy Circuit"
You haven't lived until you've done the hydrotherapy circuit at the Pevonia spa. It’s basically a ritual. You go from a sauna to a steam room, then a cold plunge (which will make you question your life choices), then a high-pressure shower, and finally, the massive outdoor hydrotherapy pool with swan-neck jets that blast the tension out of your shoulders.
It’s almost two hours of being poked, prodded, and splashed. You’ll feel like a brand-new human afterward.
Expert tip: Ask for a treatment in one of the outdoor palapas. Hearing the actual waves while you get a deep-tissue massage is a level of luxury that’s hard to beat. Just make sure you wear sunscreen before you head to the spa; a massage on a sunburn is basically a form of medieval torture.
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Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun Adults Only All Inclusive: Common Misconceptions
People think because it’s a "Secrets" resort, it’s going to be a non-stop party. That’s more of a "Breathless" vibe (their sister brand). Maroma is for couples. You’ll see plenty of honeymoons, 25th anniversaries, and people just hiding from their kids for a week.
Is it expensive?
Yeah. It’s one of the pricier resorts in the Hyatt Inclusive Collection. But you have to look at what’s included. Tips are included (though a few bucks for your favorite bartender goes a long way), the minibar is restocked daily, and the 24-hour room service is actually good. The "Secret Box" in the room allows the staff to deliver your food without you having to open the door in your bathrobe.
Privacy is the real currency here.
Things to Do (If You Actually Leave the Property)
Look, I get it. You paid for all-inclusive, so you want to get your money's worth at the bar. But you’re in the heart of the Yucatan.
- Cenotes: There are underwater sinkholes within a 20-minute drive. Go to Cenote Azul or Dos Ojos. The water is crystal clear and freezing.
- Tulum Ruins: Go early. Like, 8:00 AM early. Otherwise, you’ll be melting in the sun with 5,000 other people.
- Playa del Carmen: Fifth Avenue (Quinta Avenida) is a tourist trap, but it’s a fun tourist trap. Good for people-watching and buying "authentic" silver that may or may not be silver.
Practical Insights for Your Trip
Don't just wing it. If you want the best experience at Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun adults only all inclusive, keep these reality-based tips in mind:
- Download the App: The Hyatt Inclusive Collection app is actually useful. You can check the daily activity schedule, look at restaurant menus, and order extra pillows without talking to anyone.
- The Dress Code Is Real: Men, pack long pants and collared shirts. Most of the fine dining spots won't let you in with flip-flops and a tank top. Don't be that guy.
- Currency: You don't really need Pesos at the resort, but if you go off-property, they help. Use the ATM at the airport or a reputable bank. Avoid the "travelex" booths if you can help it.
- Sunscreen: Buy it at home. A bottle of SPF 50 in the resort gift shop will cost you about $30. It's highway robbery, but they know they've got you trapped.
- The Turtle Season: If you visit between May and October, keep an eye out for the roped-off sections on the beach. Those are turtle nests. If you’re there during hatchling season, the resort sometimes organizes releases.
At the end of the day, Secrets Maroma remains a gold standard because they don't cut corners. While other resorts are thinning out their towels and watering down the drinks to save a buck, Maroma keeps the quality high. It’s a place designed for people who want to shut off their brains and just exist in a beautiful space for a while.
Actionable Next Steps
If you're ready to pull the trigger, do a quick cross-check on flight prices into Tulum (TQO) versus Cancun (CUN). While TQO is the "new" airport, it's actually further from Maroma than Cancun is. Stick with Cancun for a shorter transfer time. Always book your airport shuttle in advance—never take a "random" taxi from the airport curb unless you want to pay triple the price. Check the Hyatt website directly for "member rates" which are often cheaper than the big travel portals, and sign up for World of Hyatt points before you go. You'll earn enough for a free night at a domestic hotel just by staying here for a week.